Griquas left frustrated after controversial SA Cup defeat to Pumas

THE SUZUKI Griquas were left heartbroken, frustrated and maybe a bit perplexed on Friday evening after falling 39-34 to the Airlink Pumas in Nelspruit – a result clouded by a series of highly questionable refereeing decisions that arguably cost them the match, and with it, their unbeaten run in the SA Cup.

The most contentious moment of the game came in the dying minutes when fullback Cameron Hufke completed what should have been a match-winning hat-trick. The try was initially awarded, only for referee Christopher Allison to astonishingly overturn his own decision after glancing at the stadium’s big screen – get this, despite the SA Cup not allowing the use of TMO reviews.

The reversal no doubt stunned the players and one can only imagine what the faithful Griqua supporters must be thinking, especially as there was no clear evidence that the ball had not been properly grounded.

Allison appeared to have been swayed by the crowd’s pressure rather than any definitive footage, raising fresh concerns about officiating standards in a competition where Premier Division qualification – and millions of rands – are at stake.

Earlier, Griquas had also been on the receiving end of another controversial call when flanker Marco de Witt was harshly yellow-carded, further tilting the momentum in the hosts’ favour.

Despite these setbacks, the visitors fought valiantly to the end, launching one last desperate attack. However, in a cruel twist of fate, with the try line open before him, Hufke – who had been outstanding all afternoon – fumbled the ball forward, bringing the rollercoaster encounter to a gut-wrenching close for the visitors.

The match itself had been a high-quality, high-drama affair, and ultimately, the Pumas’ win sees them remain the only unbeaten side in this year’s competition and propels them to the top of the standings – but the manner in which Griquas were denied will surely leave a bitter taste long after the final whistle.